Oppn to move no-confidence motion against graft accused

Kochi: The opposition at the city corporation will move a no-confidence motion against the development standing committee chairman P R Reneesh. The opposition gave notice regarding the no-confidence motion to the district collector on Friday.

The notice states that corporation authorities are not ready to take action against Reneesh, who is facing bribery charges. "In a council meeting, LDF councillor P S Biju claimed that a revenue inspector demanded a bribe of Rs 50 lakh on behalf of Reneesh and town planning committee chairman Sanil Mon from a building owner. He also claimed that he has an audio recording to prove the allegation. Following this, the council decided to inform the vigilance department, but no action has been taken yet. To protest against the delay, UDF members Antony Painuthara, Henry Austin, and Kajal Salim submitted a notice of no-confidence to the district collector," the opposition said in a press note.

There is also a dispute between the CPM and CPI over sharing the chairman position in the development standing committee, and with only a one-seat majority, CPI's stance is crucial, said opposition leader Antony Kureethara.